Overview of Conference

by Barbara in Florida

Note: Content of the speakers' presentations will be available on the RSOl website. An additional highlighted overview is also available.

RSOL Conference June 26-28, 2010 Washington DC

We came by plane, train and automobile, almost 100 strong to convene in the lovely historical St. Stephen and the Incarnation Episcopal Church! For those of us who attended last year's conference that was held in two locations, the opportunity to be together in one body was especially energizing! The sense of family was felt immediately upon entering our meeting room. Details such as coffee, doughnuts and juice, microphones and Audio Visual equipment were in place; all systems were GO! Clearly there were those who had been working behind the scenes to ensure a successful conference! The program delivered on the promise of being both informative and inspiring!

The morning agenda led off with, Dr. Gary Dennis "Implications of the Second Chance Act for People on the Registry," followed by:

• Dr Chrysanthi Leon "Update On Research, Critique of SO Legislation, and Our Most Effective Arguments for Change"
• Amy Borror "Adam Walsh Act: History, Provisions, Legal Implications, and Recommended Policy Changes"
• Lloyd Swartz "International's Megan's Law"

All this took place BEFORE lunch! Over lunch people had the opportunity to get more acquainted, to be interviewed by two different authors and reporters who were present as interested parties, and to talk with Marshall Burns. Informal chats occurred with those who had identifies with someone's comment during the 'q and a' opportunities that followed each session.

The afternoon kicked off with Norm Pattis, a dynamic speaker and defense attorney. His topic "Criminal Law 101: What you need to know about sex offenses!" brought the group to their feet with a standing ovation!

Continuing to round out the afternoon we heard from:

• Rev. James Powell on Challenges to the Faith Community,
• Dr. Nancy Steele "Sex offender Treatment Abuses" and information on the Association for Therapists of Sex Abusers (ATSA)

A rapid paced overview of the 10 step guide to state organizing completed the afternoon before breaking for a pizza dinner.

After dinner some participants remained to hear from Marshall Burns on his road trip. Others broke into small groups and made plans for further networking opportunities.

Sunday morning provided an assortment of choices from just catching one's breath, visit to places of interest such as the Holocaust Museum, or various places of worship including the National Cathedral!

By 3 PM the church was once again available to us and we were back as one big family, with the kick off speaker, J. Tom Morgan, "What's Wrong with the SO Laws That I Created" another speaker who literally brought us to our feet!

Throughout the day, there was also time to hear from members who shared their stories, some of which were heart wrenching; but each story served to inspire us to continue with the work we had come to Washington to accomplish--- make a difference by sharing the FACTS!

The remainder of our afternoon provided sessions to prepare us specifically for lobbying.

• "Lobbying Tips and Case Studies" by Lloyd Swartz based on the very successful efforts in New Mexico
• "A critique of the Adam Walsh Act and the International Megan's Law" by Amy Borror "Do's and Don'ts of Lobbying" by Dr. Chrysanthi Leon.

As we left the comfort of our meeting place in this lovely church, we were now prepared to go to the HILL on Monday. We received assignments or submitted appointments that had already been arranged by members of the group. I felt like a General ready to take command of his or her troops!

On Monday, there were 40 plus participants who found their way to the offices of both representatives and senators to discuss issues on the registry that had both impacted them personally and to provide materials that gave accurate information on the ineffectiveness of the registry. Some members of the group convened at the end of the day; many of us were too exhausted, though happily so, to find our way to another meeting place. So the stories of lobbying will be recorded in a written report and enjoyed by all.

This summary cannot end without pointing out the joy of the successes that were shared by representatives from Georgia, New Mexico, Texas, Kentucky and other states where laws have been blocked and/or rewritten. Offers were made, and readily accepted, from some states to work with neighboring states who are less experienced along their path to reform.

All in all it could be said that this year's conference far surpassed last year AND we are already looking forward to next year!

Appreciation is expressed to all those who organized this year's event and to each who attended in a united effort to change the laws that are unsustainable and have been created based not on empirical evidence but on moral panic! See everyone next year!